What is Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and should I turn it on?
Advanced Data Protection is an optional iCloud setting that adds end-to-end encryption to most of your iCloud data, including iCloud Backup, Photos and Notes, so not even Apple can read it. The trade-off is that Apple can't help you recover that data if you lose access.
It arrived in iOS 16.2. Some iCloud data, such as iCloud Keychain passwords and Health data, is already end-to-end encrypted. For other categories, including iCloud Backup, Apple normally holds the keys. Turning this on raises the number of end-to-end encrypted categories to 25. iCloud Mail, Contacts and Calendars stay outside it, because the standards they use don't support end-to-end encryption.
Since Apple no longer holds the keys, you must set up a recovery contact or a recovery key first. If you lose access to your account, you'll need your device passcode, that contact or that key to get your data back. Access at iCloud.com is turned off unless you approve it from a trusted device. As of October 2026, Apple says it can't offer the feature to new users in the UK.
- Update all your Apple devices first. Each one needs recent software, such as iOS 16.2 or later on iPhone
- Go to Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, then tap Advanced Data Protection
- Set up a recovery contact or recovery key, and keep the key somewhere safe away from your phone
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iCloud Backup & Advanced Data Protection
From the iCloud & Your Apple Account course. See what your iCloud Backup holds and who holds the keys to it.
Try it on the simulated phone Read the full lesson
The reading is free. The hands-on lab is part of Pro.